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HOTEL CENTRO PALAWAN: Top-notch hotel w/ a pool that is the envy of others

Puerto Princesa was only our set-off point to El Nido this time.But since we delayed the gratification of being in paradise,we thought of making the most out of our overnight stay here.Our afternoon flight from NAIA-4 was delayed (as expected) so it was already 8:30pm when we landed in Puerto Princesa.Good thing the pool of HOTEL CENTRO Palawan is open until 10pm everyday.Humabol pa ng night shot which was what I have been excited to see days prior to coming here.

This is what I mean by "making the most" out of something.Either you pick the cheapest room or lubusin mo na to something classy and high end.If it is Puerto Princesa, Hotel Centro is definitely one of the most sought after accommodation in the city.

HOTEL CENTRO PALAWAN
HOTEL CENTRO Puerto Princesa Palawan
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The Hotel Van was already waiting for us by the time we landed at Puerto Princesa International Airport.We were with another group of guests from Manila.The shuttle is new and spacious.This is what I like about Puerto Princesa,they are very organized and they follow a certain standard across all accommodations even in terms of the kind of shuttle they have to provide.Our driver was quick to welcome us.The moment he started the engine,he went on introducing some of the attractions and restaurants one should not miss in the city.It was a smooth transfer which took approximately 10 minutes.Check in was also quick so we were able to settle our things at our room and immediately went to the pool area.


Odd enough,my cough and flu which was triggered 24 hours before flying out of Manila came in full swing minutes after arriving at the hotel.I suddenly felt the chill and that was it,the fever component has set in.Buti nalang napagbigyan pako to stay around the poolside for a while and appreciate the place.I love the blue pool at night with the facade of the hotel beautifully spread on the background.

The water was warm so it was really tempting to go for a dip but my wife resisted the temptation and accompanied me back to our room since I had to rest.She had her time the next day enjoying the pool early in the morning.
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Had to rest and recover for the early and long ride the next day to El Nido.My wife set the airconditioner at 21 degrees but I still felt the chill.Had to wear jeans,socks and jacket to regulate my temperature.I really appreciated our room more that night.It was comforting to know that despite being sick,we had a secure and comfortable place to stay.

HOTEL CENTRO Puerto Princesa


OUR ROOM


We stayed in a deluxe room which is rather square-sh in contrast to the usual rectangular rooms in most hotels.It has a sofa set which makes you feel that it has a separate living room area which is usually a feature of family suites.Despite that,I noticed that there is still enough space to go around.That means one can easily set aside the chairs to make way for extra beds.The room is perfect for "big group" or "family" travels.The queen-size bed is not the softest there is but comfortable just the same.I noticed that the lights are dim and it gives an intimate appeal to the room although I think it would also be nice if there is an option to open additional lights should you want the room to be brighter than the intimate setup.Still, the room is nice.Spacious.Elegant.

The place is clean and functional.More importantly, the space served as our refuge.I needed to recover from my condition for the long ride ahead to El Nido.
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ALL ROOMS HAVE:

Cable television
Air-conditioning
Telephone
Mini-bar
Coffee/ tea maker
Hair dryer
Private toilet and shower with hot and cold water

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BREAKFAST at
Expressions Cafe


Breakfast comes with the room rate.We had and early meal at Expressions Cafe.The place is consistent with the ground floor appeal of the hotel---modern with a seating capacity of 110pax. The buffet spread is quite diverse ---soup,bread,salad,fruits and local dishes.My sick condition and my intake of medicine has impaired my sense of taste so I couldn't really discriminate the food well so I had to ask my wife what she thinks.

She thought the food is good but some are quite plain tasting.I feasted mostly on the fruits which they have plenty of.

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Here's a Quick Tour of the Hotel  before I take you back to the Poolside

The Reception Area
minimalist and away with the unnecessary clutter.
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The Waiting Area
with interesting art and figurine pieces.
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The Hallways
simple and pleasant
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The Hotel Souvenir Shop
they got what go need for pasalubong
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The Fitness Club
just in case you need to warm those muscles before hitting the beach
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The Spa
to provide relied after a long day full of physically straining activities around the city.
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The SICILY CLUB LOUNGE

The Hotel is a well known for conferences and events given its large Conference Center which could accommodate as many as 300pax.There was an ongoing conference during our stay so I wasn't able to peek in there but I was given a rare chance to see the Sicily Club Lounge which I heard is the first and only Club Lounge in Puerto Princesa.

Located at the 5th level, the place is indeed classy!It has a living room,a bar and a conference area for guests who would like their business meeting to the next level.

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THE POOL that is
the envy of others.

We had to be fetched by the tour company by 8am but they didn't arrive until 9am so we had ample time to go to the pool again where my wife took a quick dip.I was feeling a lot better that day but I decided not to overdo things so as not to be strained so I just watched my wife enjoy the swim. I was envious of course as other accommodations in the area are envious of the pool at Hotel Centro.
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Soul Bar by the poolside
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Our friend Rupert joined us later on.He stayed in another accommodation downtown.He too was mesmerized by the pool area and lamented on several occasions how nice it is.Here's to my wife and Rupert lazying at the poolside.
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my wife and friend Rupert lazying by the poolside
TOUR to Honda bay, 
Underground River or even El Nido?

The Hotel can easily arrange for your tour.Rates are standard so you do not have to worry.If I would have known they arrange tours to as far as El Nido, I wouldn't have bothered booking for one at the airport.Once you are at the hotel, everything else will be easy.Just tell them what you need and they will be glad to assist you.Look for the business center at the ground floor.

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We had a very short stay at HOTEL CENTRO but it definitely left a mark on us.We are planning to go back to Puerto Princesa soon and this is where we would want to stay again.Wanna try the other amenities like the  Soul Bar, the gym and the Spa.I am from Metro Manila and there is definitely no shortage of good accommodation in the area but to see a hotel this good in Puerto Princesa is indeed comforting.It is perfect of business and leisure travelers.This is also great for the locals as they don't have to travel far to get the good accommodation they deserve.

If you are thinking of visiting Puerto Princesa,I say, go for the best!


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HOTEL CENTRO PALAWAN is located at
San Pedro National Highway, Puerto Princesa City Palawan Philippines
Phone Number: (48) 434 1111

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